Shia Association protests, demands apology over misrepresentation of Ali Khamenei

SRINAGAR — Members of the ‘All Jammu and Kashmir Shia Association’ held a peaceful protest at Press Colony in Srinagar on Monday, denouncing what they described as false, disrespectful, and inflammatory reporting by several national news channels against Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Led by prominent clerics and community members, the demonstrators expressed deep anguish over recent content that they alleged misrepresented the Supreme Leader in a manner that had hurt the religious sentiments of Shia Muslims across the world.

Speaking to the press, one of the leading clerics remarked, “The national media’s portrayal of our Supreme Leader is not only misleading but also a deliberate attempt to provoke and hurt religious feelings. Such journalism is irresponsible and unacceptable.”

The Association announced its intention to serve a legal notice to the media outlets involved, citing defamation and the deliberate spread of misinformation. The Association also demanded a formal apology and the immediate removal of the objectionable content from all platforms.

The protesters emphasized the importance of ethical journalism and called on media institutions to avoid sensationalism that could deepen sectarian rifts. They warned that continued insensitivity in coverage related to religious figures could lead to unrest and further alienate communities.

Chanting slogans in defence of their religious leadership, the participants urged regulatory authorities to take note of the growing trend of provocative coverage by national media and enforce stricter accountability measures.

Jammu Muslim Front condemns Hindustan Times over remarks on Ayatollah Khomeini

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Jammu Muslim Front (JMF), Shuja Zaffar, has also strongly condemned ‘Hindustan Times’ for publishing what he described as unwarranted and deeply disrespectful remarks against the revered Iranian leader, Ayatollah Khomeini.

In a sharply worded statement, Zaffar accused the national daily of violating journalistic ethics and showing disregard for religious sensitivities.

Calling the publication’s actions “a blatant affront to the principles of religious tolerance and respect,” Zaffar said the article had hurt the sentiments of millions who hold Ayatollah Khomeini in high esteem. “Such journalism not only undermines public trust but also threatens the harmony that binds diverse communities in this country,” he remarked.

The Jammu Muslim Front has demanded an immediate retraction of the article and a formal public apology from Hindustan Times to help restore faith in responsible journalism. Zaffar added that the Front would continue to advocate for the dignity and respect of all religious figures, regardless of faith or region.

“We stand united with those who revere Ayatollah Khomeini, and we reject any narrative that seeks to diminish the stature of respected leaders,” the JMF chairman asserted, urging media houses to exercise greater sensitivity and accountability in their coverage of religious matters.